@BMCC

April 30, 2020

State of the College Address by Interim President Wilks: May 5
BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks will deliver the State of the College on May 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. Wilks will update the BMCC Community on the college’s Designing for Success: Strategic Planning Phase II and other college-wide initiatives supporting the BMCC mission that places high priority on preparing students for degree completion, successful transfer, career achievement, lifelong learning and civic participation. The presentation will be available for viewing through a live webcast.

Engineering Science Major Jose “Fabrizzio” Cevallos Receives Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship
Cevallos, who moved to New York at age 14 worked hard to improve his English language skills, aspires to be a physician. He is one of 50 community college students nationwide to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

BMCC Nursing Graduate Passes the NCLEX, on the Heels of Recovering from COVID-19
Irena Butcher graduated with an A.A.S. in Nursing from BMCC in January 2020. She then fell ill to COVID-19, along with her whole family, but still managed to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

BMCC Hosts Self-Care Community Zoom Session
Like many communities all over the world, BMCC students, faculty and staff are trying to cope with the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic and enormous changes to how they work, live and care for one another. On April 28, BMCC hosted a community Zoom session to share self-care practices and validate the experiences of BMCC community members.

BMCC/CUNY ASAP Recognized With 2020 Innovations in American Government Award
The Accelerated Study in Associate Program (ASAP) at BMCC is one of nine ASAP programs CUNY-wide, recognized with the 2020 Innovations in American Government Award from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

BMCC Expands Services to Justice-Involved Students Through Second Chance Pell Program
BMCC has been selected to join a cohort of 67 institutions through the U.S. Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell experiment, creating more education opportunities for incarcerated students. “This aligns with our strategic goals and our strong belief that all students can succeed if given the support to do so,” said Janice Zummo, assistant dean for Academic Support Services at BMCC.

Announcements

Encourage Students to Register Now for Summer 2020, and Be Considered for a Tuition Waiver
BMCC Summer 2020 tuition waivers cover $210 per credit for eligible students. The Petrie Completion Waiver helps students who need up to two courses to complete their BMCC associate degree and have enrolled in a course that counts toward that degree, in one or both summer sessions starting May 26 and July 14. The STEM Waiver is for students who are NYC residents and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or NYS Tap-Eligible (includes Dreamers), and it covers credit-bearing math, science, computer science or other courses that count toward a BMCC STEM degree in the session starting May 26 only. To receive either waiver, students must register by May 1 for classes starting May 26, and by June 15 for classes starting July 14. Waivers are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with questions should contact the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center: advisementandtransfer@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Bursar Holds Removed for BMCC Students
Students with Spring 2020 semester balances of $4,000 or less can now register for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters. (Please note: Balances prior to Spring 2020 must be paid in full to register.) Also, there will be no Bursar holds applied until after the start of the Fall 2020 semester, August 26. For more information, please contact Bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Deadline May 1: Submit your BALLOT for the 2019-2020 Employee Appreciation Awards
BMCC students, faculty and staff can show their appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creativity through their role at BMCC, beyond what is normally expected of employees. SUBMIT ONE nomination in each category: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/ Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. Employees have one chance to submit their ballot. Make it count by submitting a detailed nomination no later than May 1.

RSVP Now for Virtual Entrepreneurial Summit: May 12
Faculty, students, alumni and staff are invited to RSVP for the 4th Annual Entrepreneurial Summit by the BMCC Business Management Department and set for May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students and alumni can apply now to showcase their idea or business for a chance to win a business grant. The summit will present demo sessions and talks by business leaders. Participants can interact online and vote on student/alumni business ideas. For more information, contact Professor Shane Snipes at rsnipes@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Phishing and Spam Emails: What to Do
If you receive spam or phishing emails, please delete them immediately. Do not click on any link included in the email. If you already clicked on the link in the email, reset your password immediately. For step-by-step instructions,visit the Service Desk knowledge base, or reach out to (212) 220-8379 or servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu.

COVID-19 Flexible Grading Policy
In the Spring 2020 semester, BMCC/CUNY students have the option to convert letter grades (A-F) to Credit/No Credit grading. The CUNY Board of Trustees approved this policy change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more details, click here.

NY Voter Registration Deadline Extended to May 29
The new voter registration deadline is May 29 and the presidential primary as well as several local elections has been pushed back to June 23. Take two minutes and register to vote at cuny.edu/vote.

Virtual Choir Submissions Deadline Extended to May 31
Join aspiring singers from around the world by recording and uploading a performance onto the CUNY Virtual Choir Project website, through May 31. The performances will be synced and blended and live-streamed later in Spring 2020.

COVID-19 Website Offers Information and Resources
The BMCC's COVID-19 Updates web page includes updates from CUNY, Facilities Management, Faculty Course Continuity Resources, Student Distance Learning and Services as well as messages from BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks. To receive campus updates, update your contact information in CUNYfirst. The college will also send community notices through CUNY Alert text messages and updates are posted on BMCC’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

STUDENTS: The Virtual Learning Resource Center Is Available for Assistance
The BMCC Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides online tutoring, academic coaching and other services. Through Upswing, students can meet with certified tutors. They can also meet one-on-one with an academic coach committed to their success. Faculty can access the LRC's Online Services Orientation, for an online demo of virtual LRC services for students. The LRC is ready to help students of all majors feel confident about their distance learning experience.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Diversity Is our Strength
BMCC remains committed to the safety, equity and inclusion of students, faculty and staff. BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. BMCC community members who have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

NYC Well Offers Counseling Assistance
In this stressful time, NYC Well offers free apps, brief counseling and referrals for care assistance in more than 200 languages. BMCC faculty, staff and students can contact NYC Well’s confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained counselors at (888) 692-9355. They can also text "WELL" to 65173, or reach help via Chat.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Limited Building Access
The Office of Campus Planning and Facilities is unable to accommodate individual requests for access to BMCC campus buildings. Thank you for your cooperation. Please follow the Governor’s directive to stay home and help us stop the spread of this deadly virus.

Enrollment

STUDENTS: Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Is Available Online for Assistance
Students can explore online the many admissions and enrollment resources BMCC has to offer, and they are welcome to reach out by email, phone or text. The web page also links to staff members who can help them make their college dreams a reality.

Weekly Virtual Admissions Information Sessions
Whether it’s a prospective student getting a jump start on the college selection process, or an admitted student with follow-up questions, students can tune in via Zoom on Thursdays at 6 p.m. to learn more about academic and success programs at BMCC from an admissions representative.

Virtual Chat with a Campus Tour Guide
While COVID-19 might prevent our traditional on-campus tours, college tour guides are available virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays at 3:00 PM to engage students in a conversation about the BMCC experience.

Optimizing Success at BMCC for Admitted Students
For admitted students interested in student success and support programs, Admissions is offering a virtual session catered exclusively to admitted students on Friday, May 1, by CUNY Start. The session starts at 3 p.m., via Zoom.

Summer and Fall 2020 Registration Is Open
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for the Summer and Fall 2020 semesters. Things to know: All students must meet virtually with their advisor before registering. Students can use Schedule Builder on CUNYfirst to create a schedule and register for classes. For more information, visit the Registration page, or contact Academic Advisement: eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
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Making Headlines

BMCC alumnus Dave Obaseki (Business, '12) creates car access for single moms
April 27, 2020 — The Hype Magazine

BMCC Nursing student Nicole Delpesche pursues services for her autistic son
April 27, 2020 — The 74

BMCC accounting major Bianca Jimenez Is 600th COVID patient to leave Mount Sinai Nassau hospital
April 25, 2020 — Long Island Herald

BMCC student Jose Cevallos awarded prestigious Jack Kent Cooke award
April 24, 2020 — Press Release Point

BMCC domestic and international students discuss the pandemic's impact on their education
April 22, 2020 — World Socialist Web Site

Human Resources

Unclaimed Paychecks
If you have not picked up your paper paycheck issued between the end of January through the end of February, please email officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Payroll Distribution: May 1
Please bring your own pen to sign the registry when you visit 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway 2 South to pick up your paper check on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sign up for Direct Deposit and Suspend Your Transit Benefits
Now might be a good time to have your paycheck deposited directly into your bank account. Also, if you are not commuting to work, consider suspending your payroll-deducted transit benefits. To get started, complete the Direct Deposit form, Transit Benefit form and/or Park and Ride form and send to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.

COVID-related FAQs Provides Updates and Contact Information
A resource document, HR COVID-19 FAQs provides information related to direct deposit, transit benefits, college assistants, full-time classified staff and more. For more HR-related pandemic information, visit the Human Resources website.

Alumni and Donors

DONATE NOW: COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund Enables Students to Continue Their Education
The COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund at BMCC can help students overcome hardship and move forward with their educational goals. To make a donation, please click here. For corporate donations and matching gifts, please contact Ana Fernandez at AFernandez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

May 7: Alumni Panel, Social Work Month Is Every Month
Join in for a virtual alumni panel on May 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and hear the stories of BMCC alumni who have earned their bachelor’s in social work (B.S.W.) and Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) degrees and are working in the field. Talk with BMCC graduates who have transferred to B.S.W. and human services programs, and learn how the pandemic is affecting the social work profession. Click here to register.

Use your IRA-Qualified Charitable Distribution to Help During this Time of Student Need
The CARES Act of March 2020 waives the requirement for IRA owners to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) in 2020. However, the Qualified Charitable Distribution allowance (QCD), for donors 70½ or older is still in force, and the annual limit remains at $100,000. This means that at age 70½, you can still help students and use your IRA to make a QCD of up to $100,000 for the year.

New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers
Taxpayers who take the standard deduction rather than itemizing their deductions will nevertheless be able to claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made in 2020. Only cash gifts are entitled to the $300 deduction. Gifts of stocks, clothes, vehicles and land are not eligible. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for more information. We are deeply grateful for your support.

Naming Opportunities Send a Message of Support to Students, When They Return to Campus
In recent years, BMCC lost two beloved colleagues; Sadie Bragg, retired Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Scott Anderson, retired Vice President for Administration and Finance. To commemorate their deep commitment to BMCC students — many of whom have had their educations disrupted by a global pandemic — we have established memorial funds in support of naming opportunities on the BMCC campus. Make a donation today and select a memorial fund under the “Designation” option. Your name and visual message of hope could inspire students when they eventually return to campus.

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